Tube-builder

Guides

  • Acrolophinae

    Burrowing Webworm Moths, Tube Moths

    Acrolophinae is a subfamily of small moths within the family Tineidae, containing approximately 300 species across five genera. Members are commonly known as burrowing webworm moths or tube moths due to larval habits. The group is restricted to the New World and is considered closely related to other Tineidae. Larvae construct silk tubes or burrows in which they feed and develop.

  • Acrolophus arcanella

    grass tubeworm moth

    Acrolophus arcanella, commonly known as the grass tubeworm moth, is a small moth species in the family Acrolophidae. It occurs in eastern North America, where its caterpillars are known to spin silken tubes at the base of grasses or grass roots for concealment while feeding. The species has a wingspan of approximately 25 mm. Like other members of the genus, it was formerly classified in the family Tineidae before being reassigned to Acrolophidae based on revised taxonomic understanding.

  • Orthocladius

    Orthocladius is a genus of non-biting midges in the family Chironomidae. Larvae are aquatic and construct silk tubes that serve as microhabitats for associated microbial communities. The genus includes species adapted to diverse freshwater environments, including streams and hygropetric habitats.

  • Polycentropodidae

    Tube Maker Caddisflies, Trumpet-net Caddisflies

    Polycentropodidae is a family of caddisflies (Trichoptera) commonly known as tube makers or trumpet-net caddisflies. The family contains at least 33 genera and over 720 described species globally. Larvae construct distinctive silken retreats—short flattened tubes in rock hollows or slender tubular structures among aquatic vegetation—often surrounded by silken threads that function as prey detection devices. The family exhibits a disjunct distribution pattern in some regions, with species found in both tropical and temperate zones.